The International Student Blog

Paying for the schooling you need to become a nurse can be challenging and the cost of nursing schools discourages many who want to become nurses, even though it is an investment that can pay off handsomely. 

It is essential to do your homework before enrolling in a nursing program. You’ll learn about the numerous scholarships available to help fund your nursing program. Additionally, many nursing programs are free of tuition expenses, letting students graduate with little to no debt. 

Here are further details on how to study nursing abroad without paying exorbitant tuition.

How Much Does Nursing School Cost?

Although there is no fixed cost for nursing school, you can anticipate spending anywhere from thousands of dollars for a shorter course of study to over $80,000 and even $100,000 for prolonged or graduate school courses.

The cost of a nursing school depends on a number of factors, such as your current level of education, whether you attend full- or part-time, and the program you want to take.

The price will vary depending on whether you are pursuing your Registered Nurse accreditation, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing bridge program or an Associate Degree in Nursing. Also, the cost of attending a community college will probably be far less than that of a private university.

The cheapest option for nursing students is typically a community college, followed by state universities and private institutions. Nevertheless, there is no way to know how much your degree will cost you because that will depend on the type of financial aid and scholarships you have.

What Are the Careers in Nursing?

Even though a nurse’s main job is to care for patients in various healthcare settings, there are many ways to make a living as a nurse. A nurse’s role is to serve at the core of the healthcare system, helping patients at their residences, managing private practices, and training the next set of healthcare workers.

Here is a list of the most popular nursing jobs you should consider if you are interested in a career and want to learn more about your options:

• Nurse educator
• Medical assistant
• Registered nurse
• Nursing manager
• Nurse practitioner
• Certified nursing assistant
• Medical secretary and administrative assistant
• Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse

What Makes a Good Nurse?

There are countless traits that excellent nurses display. This is why selecting only a few qualities from the long list can be challenging.

A good nurse has traits, attributes, skills, strengths, principles, beliefs, or ethics that can be either personal or professional. 

1. You have strong communication skills which you use with patients and coworkers, even when they are going through difficult circumstances.
2. You are a person who thinks of others first. The characteristics that make you humane individually and benefit you as a nurse include impartiality, empathy, compassion, and emotional stability.
3. You are proficient at recognizing issues and finding solutions using critical thinking. You contribute to improving organizational procedures and patient care.
4. You can follow directions from coworkers and nursing leaders thanks to your attention to detail. With this level of accuracy, you can tailor care to each patient’s needs.
5. You have excellent time-management and delegation abilities. This is very useful when handling patient care obligations.
6. As a team player, you work well with patients, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare personnel. You can quickly adapt to shifting circumstances thanks to your collaborative style.

Years of study, training, and practice help you develop and improve these qualities and skills, which is critical for you as a nurse.

Growth in the Nursing Field

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 26 percent growth rate for nursing jobs between 2010 and 2020 compared to the 14% growth rate for all other U.S. jobs.

A report from the BLSshowed that registered nursing has maintained its status as the top profession in terms of career growth. A nurse’s growth takes the following routes:

Occupations Outside of Hospitals

The BLS believes there will be more jobs for RNs outside hospitals, such as in doctor’s offices and home health care. RNs can also find work in the public health sector, residential care institutions, schools, and industrial or occupational health.

Education Creates Possibilities

According to the BLS, RNs with a bachelor’s degree will have more career options than those with an associate degree or diploma in nursing. The BLS anticipates that clinical nurse specialists, nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners will be in high demand. Advanced-degree nurses can also work in nursing education or leadership roles.

Nurse Specialists

Several nursing specialties can lead to additional employment prospects for RNs. Some jobs call for a graduate degree. 

Here are just a few examples: 

• Parish nursing, also called faith community nursing, is when a nurse combines nursing care with the beliefs of a religious group. 
• Forensic nurses can testify as experts, do assessments of sexual assaults, work as legal nurse consultants, or help with investigations at crime scenes. 
• Nurse informaticists employ software tools and computer technologies to develop nursing practice and improve nursing care.

Nurses in Business

Some nurses decide to start their own businesses. According to the National Nurses in Business Association, there are several opportunities for nurses in business. Some healthcare professionals offer services like clinical case management and ergonomic evaluations. Others provide all-encompassing nursing consultation services.

Five Nursing Schools Without Tuition

The University of Stavanger

• Location: Norway
• Credit: 180 Credits
• Scope: 3 Years Full-time 
• Faculty: Department of Health Studies 
• Minimum Grade Required: Norwegian (393 hours): 3 or better; Maths (224 hours): 3 or better 

Founded in 2005, the University of Stavanger is a public university in Norway. The university requires no tuition, including the nursing program. However, you will incur other expenses. The nursing faculty and the university are accessible to global students for free.

The University of Stavanger’s nursing program takes three years to finish while studying full-time. Natural sciences and social sciences are the subjects covered in the nursing science curriculum. The interaction of theory and practice fosters the development of nursing competence.

There are many ways to work and learn, including lectures, group projects, mentorship, practical studies, simulations, and skill development in nursing labs. Finishing some of the practice abroad while you are a student is feasible.

Hochschule Bremen City University of Applied Sciences

• Location: Germany
• Credit: Not Specified
• Scope: 8 Semesters 
• Faculty: Social Sciences and Medical Studies
• Minimum Grade: Not Specified

The Bremen University of Applied Sciences is a German academic institution founded in 1799. It has 9,000 students in 66 academic programs, such as economics, nursing, and the social sciences.

The program lasts for eight semesters and is one of the best places in the world to learn about nursing for free. This also includes the bachelor’s thesis and the fifth-semester requirement that students spend a semester abroad.

For entry, you need to have a regular university entry credential, a restricted university entry credential, or pass a classification quiz.

It emphasizes competencies for process-oriented care and self-care of people across the lifespan and in all care units. This nursing school is one of the free nursing schools that award the International Degree Programme in Nursing Bachelor of Science.

The Arctic University of Norway

• Location: Norway
• Credit: Not Specified
• Scope: Full Time
• Faculty: Department of Health and Care Sciences
• Minimum Grade: Not Specified

The Arctic University of Norway is the northernmost university. Moreover, it is northern Scandinavia’s most prominent educational and scientific institution. Students worldwide can get a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing from this university

Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply to the program, and it boasts a sizable foreign student population that accounts for up to 10% of the total student body. The nursing program gives nurses the skills to meet the healthcare industry’s needs in general and specialized care settings.

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

• Location: Germany
• Credit: 210 Credits
• Scope: Full Time
• Faculty: Department of Nursing and Management
• Minimum Grade: Not Specified

Hamburg University is one of the top 10 universities in Germany for international students without tuition. It is a well-known public university in Germany that offers most classes for free.

One of the free universities worldwide where you can enroll in a nursing program is the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. You only need to pay less than EUR 350 per semester in subsidies.

The theory balances several practical lessons that prepare people who want to be nurses for nursing and health care careers. This college also trains students to become better healthcare professionals through its joint program.

Two other nursing schools, the Albertinen-Schule Academy of Nursing and the Academy of Nursing and Pediatric Nursing can teach students under this cooperation initiative.

University of Agder

• Location: Norway
• Credit: 180 Credits
• Scope: Full Time
• Faculty: Health and Sport Sciences
• Minimum Grade: 3.0 in Norwegian (393 hours) and 3.0 in mathematics (224 hours)

Around 19 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available at the public University of Agder in Norway. Most of the courses are in Norwegian because this is a Norwegian university; only a few are in English.

The University of Agder allows aspiring nurses to study for free, partly due to the country’s expanding need for caregivers.

Also, as one of the public universities, the University of Agder offers free education as a matter of legislation. You must pay a semester fee to cover the student association’s other expenses and public transportation costs.

It is also one of the free nursing schools that guarantees job prospects for its graduates. Although it is a free-tuition institution, it offers top-notch instruction.

Undergraduate International Nursing Scholarships

If you are looking for a scholarship to fund your nursing program, consider the following options.

The Global Scholarship Alliance 

The Global Scholarship Alliance (GSA) is the leading international nursing scholarship provider. To be eligible, the candidate must have successfully finished a registered nurse degree program that lasted at least three years. To become a registered nurse, a person needs a license and classroom and hands-on training. Furthermore, one year of post-graduate acute care experience is one of the requirements.

The GSA scholarship package includes tuition, books, a laptop, and awardee fees. They are also responsible for offering assistance with moving costs to the U.S. Students are compensated for their time completing practical training in a hospital as part of their course.

Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Scholarships

At the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, a small amount of merit-based funding is available for students who do well in school, show leadership skills, do excellent volunteer work, and have other personal qualities and accomplishments. These reward prizes are distributed based on merit rather than necessity. There are no requirements to get a grant except for the Fuld Fellowship in Quality and Safety in Health Care.

When applying for admission, every applicant goes through the same measuring scale for consideration. Scholarships ranging from $7,500 to the entire cost of tuition are available to applicants to MSN or DNP programs who enroll full-time.

National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) 

They provide yearly scholarships to undergraduate nursing students who are NBNA members or local branch members. A minimum of one year of study is left for applicants. Scholarship awards are worth between $1,000 and $6,000.

Emergency Nurses Association Foundation Non-RN Scholarship

The scholarship helps students who want to major in nursing and pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The Council on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing must accredit the program applicants are enrolled in. Moreover, candidates must have two letters of recommendation and a 3.0 GPA. The quantity provided varies, though.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some common questions regarding obtaining a nursing degree abroad for free.

Which is the Cheapest Country to Study Nursing?

Norway. It is at the top of the list because it provides top-notch facilities for the least amount of money. Because education is available for nearly no cost, no one must pay tuition here. Students only pay between 32 and 60 euros for a semester fee. Norway is one of the world’s most advanced nations and has one of the highest happiness indices, which is the best thing about studying there.

Can I Study Nursing for Free in the U.S.?

Yes. Colleges like the private Berea College in Kentucky, U.S., offer the nursing program at zero cost. It is renowned for providing students with high-quality education without spending much money. All students receive free tuition but must cover housing, study books, and food costs. The College of the Ozarks in Missouri and the City College of San Francisco are other colleges in the United States that provide free nursing programs. You will need to check the latest eligibility criteria for any scholarships directly with the schools.

Can I Study Nursing for Free in the UK?

If you’re considering studying nursing in the UK, it’s important to know that the courses aren’t usually free. However, there are options for domestic and EU students to pay lower fees. On the other hand, international (non-EU) students may face higher costs. Make sure to check the specific fees for your chosen program.

Is it Free to Study Nursing in Canada?

Canada is a country filled with educational opportunities and a strong emphasis on healthcare. This commitment to quality education and healthcare means that there are numerous scholarships available for aspiring nursing students from around the world. You can apply for a spot at one of the 10 Canadian nursing universities that the QS World Rankings of 2020 place among the top 100 nursing schools worldwide.

Can an International Student Get a Full Scholarship?

Yes – but they are often difficult to obtain. Most colleges today provide overseas students with a wide range of funding possibilities. They award merit-based scholarships to students with exceptional academic achievement or potential in their chosen field.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regards nursing as a practical career choice with a stable outlook for career growth and the potential for progression with the appropriate education. However, becoming a nursing specialist can require years of expensive schooling, and figuring out how to finance your education requires research. Our guide on studying nursing abroad for free should help you kickstart the process.

References

https://www.allnursingschools.com/financial-aid/nursing-scholarships/

https://nurse.org/articles/nursing-school-cost/

https://worldscholarshipvault.com/free-nursing-schools-without-tuition-fee/

https://www.internationalstudent.com/study-nursing/

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